Table of Contents
...
Your Learning Journey. The BSSW Program is designed to develop essential abilities that you will need as a professional social worker and as a citizen of the University and beyond. See Appendix A to preview these Essential Abilities.
...
There are two student organizations within the School of Social Work. First, Social Workers United (SWU) is a local social work student organization. It is designed to promote student interaction, build relationships, create service opportunities, and foster student engagement among BSSW students and between BSSW and MSW students. Second, The Zeta Gamma Chapter of the national Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Work is an organization of both graduate and undergraduate students. The purpose of Phi Alpha Honor Society is to provide a closer bond among students of social work and promote humanitarian goals and ideals. Phi Alpha fosters high standards of education for social workers and invites into membership those who have attained excellence in scholarship and achievement in social work.
Students are inducted into the Zeta Gamma Chapter of Phi Alpha Honor Society at Syracuse University each Spring. BSSW students qualify by achieving a cumulative GPA that places them in the top 35% of social work majors who have completed at least 37.5% of their degree program. See Appendix B for more information on our Phi Alpha chapter.
...
Each of these nine competencies is described in Appendix C.
Full-Time Study for the Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) Degree
...
Transfer credit from other institutions may be accepted with course grades of C or better. A maximum of 66 credits can be transferred from a two-year program. A maximum of 90 credits can be transferred from a four-year program. At least 30 credit hours must be completed at Syracuse University to receive a Syracuse University degree. Policy governing the acceptance of transfer credit is further explained in Appendix D.
Field Instruction
Opportunities for field learning are presented throughout the curriculum of the BSSW. They culminate in the senior social work practicum (SWK 435 and SWK 445) and its related field seminars (SWK 436 and SWK 446) in the senior year. The practicum is a two-semester agency placement requiring consecutive fall and spring semester registration. You will be in placement in the same field instruction setting the equivalent of two working days each week, for which you earn five academic credits per semester. In addition, you will meet in a campus-based field seminar for approximately one hour and twenty minutes per week, for which you earn one credit per semester. This seminar provides a forum for integration of theory and practice through cognitive examination of actual field experiences.
...
- New Students (First-year & External Transfers):
- Admission to Syracuse University.
- Satisfactory completion of SWK 201-Social Work Practice Skills Laboratory I
- Completion of Intent to Major form (Appendix E), approved by the BSSW Director.
- Intra-University Transfer Students:
- Cumulative GPA of at least 2.8
- A personal interview with the Director of the Undergraduate Program
- Completed Intra-University transfer form, available online or from the BSSW Director (White 244) or the College Recorder (MacNaughton 300).
- Completion of Intent to Major form (Appendix E), approved by the BSSW Director.
...
Students are expected to understand and act in accordance with values and principles set forth in the NASW Code of Ethics (Appendix F) and listed in the Intent to Major form (Appendix E). This form must be completed prior to completion of SWK 202, Social Work Practice Skills Laboratory II, and the first required social work course restricted to social work majors. Transfer students who have already completed SWK 202 (through equivalent credit taken elsewhere) will be asked to complete the form as soon as possible after entering the program. This form will be placed in the student’s file in the school and a copy given to the student’s social work faculty advisor. If the student does not want to declare his or her intent to major in social work or the student’s responses suggest that social work might be a poor professional fit, the Director of the Undergraduate Program and/or the student’s advisor will speak with the student about alternative majors and career choices.
...
Academic advising is a shared responsibility between the student and the advisor. Although students are expected to take responsibility in managing their academic paths, the social work academic advisor provides the consultation and guidance necessary to foster students’ professional development. The advisement program of the School of Social Work uses faculty, professional staff, and student peer advisors. They can provide important information and assistance to you throughout your undergraduate study.
First-Year Advising by Falk Student Services
Incoming BSSW students are registered and advised by Patricia Sweeney in Falk Student Services, Suite 300, MacNaughton Hall.
Social Work Academic Advisors
Each BSSW student is assigned an advisor from among social work faculty and professional staff. Social work advisors will help you formulate your academic and career interests, connect you with University and community resources to develop those interests, and help clarify the direction of your study. Advising centers on your involvement with the BSSW degree program. Advisors will help you evaluate your progress and provide information regarding careers. As you prepare for graduation and consider employment or graduate study, your social work faculty advisor will help you explore alternatives and can support applications for employment and graduate study with appropriate letters of reference.
...
You must be officially registered in order to attend classes. (See Appendix G regarding the policy on Visitors in the Classroom.) Entering first-year students and fall transfer students will be registered for their first semester of study by their first-year advisor in Falk Student Services. Second semester, they will again meet with their first-year advisor in Falk Student Services to plan recommended and alternate courses, after which they will transition to their social work academic advisor for the second, third, and fourth years of the program.
...
If these requirements are not met, students may be suspended. See Appendix H for a description of the Academic Suspension and Appeal Procedures.
...
- Code of Conduct of Syracuse University, as set forth in the Syracuse University Student Handbook, and
- Code of Ethics of National Association of Social Workers (NASW) (Appendix F) and
- Standards and Indicators of Cultural Competence in Social Work Practice (NASW) (Appendix I)
Together, these standards will guide your success as a student at Syracuse University and as a graduate working in the social work profession. Violations of these standards are taken seriously and will result in disciplinary action. See Appendix J: Accountability for Professional Behavior.
The Code of Ethics as adopted by the National Association of Social Workers serves as the primary basis for judgments concerning the appropriateness of the behavior of students, as well as relevant sections of the New York State Education law regarding the professions and New York State Regents Rules and Regulations. A student whose actions have raised concerns about professional behavior may be brought before the Academic Hearing Board of the School of Social Work under the policy for Academic Progress and Professional Behavior. The standards for Accountability for Professional Behavior and the procedures of the Academic Hearing Board are described in Appendix J.
In addition to their responsibility to guide and support students during the course of their professional education, the faculty and professional staff also recognize a responsibility to the profession of social work and to the people it serves. Consistent with the Council on Social Work Education Evaluation Standards and the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers (see Appendix C and Appendix F), the School of Social Work considers both the performance and behavior of students in the classroom, in the internship, and in and around the University as matters of academic standing. Your performance and behavior are treated as indicative of your likely performance as a social work practitioner. Performance or behavior that demonstrates poor interpersonal skills, unethical, threatening or otherwise unprofessional conduct will be considered grounds for academic disciplinary action. This may include, but is not limited to, academic probation or dismissal.
...
Students are expected to behave at all times in a manner consistent with norms of appropriate professional conduct and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics (see Appendix I). Unprofessional or unethical conduct, or inadequacies in applying a knowledge base in practice, in the demonstration of professional relationship skills, or in behavior with clients and colleagues in the classroom, the university, the agency, or community may jeopardize academic standing. The policy on Accountability for Professional Behavior (Appendix J) forms the basis of actions that may be taken.
...
Table 1 in the College Grievance Committee Policies and Procedures document outlines where in the University various issues are handled (See Appendix K). You may also consult the Office of the Associate Dean of the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics. They will assist you in determining whether the problem can be handled informally or whether it should be directed to the appropriate University office.
...
The David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics College Office of Student Services will monitor the progress of students on College Probation, and students will be notified by the Director of the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics Student Services office of any special requirements, restrictions, or other action that may be imposed.
Classroom Visitors (Appendix G)
The School of Social Work has a formal policy about bringing visitors with you to class. This is because client cases are sometimes discussed in class or students may disclose sensitive information about themselves. The text of the policy is located in Appendix C of this handbook.
Summer School
Any social work student may take Summer Sessions courses, however, it is recommended that a student talk with his or her social work faculty/staff academic advisor during the spring semester prior to a summer enrollment to be certain the course(s) the student wishes to take will apply toward degree requirements. If a student wishes to take courses at another college or university, the courses must be approved by the Director of the Social Work Undergraduate Program and the Associate Dean of Student Services, prior to taking them. (This is to ensure that a course will successfully transfer back to fulfill a program requirement here.)
Upon completion of the course the student should request that the school's registrar send an official transcript of the grade to the Recorder’s Office to transfer the credits to Syracuse University records. Credit is allowed only for those courses in which a grade of "C" or better has been earned. Transfer credits appear as hours accepted; no course titles or grades will appear on the SU transcript and the grade is not calculated into the SU GPA.
Transfer Credit (Appendix D)
Transfer credit is accepted toward a SU degree consistent with University and School policies. The School of Social Work transfer credit policy is available in Appendix D. Syracuse University cannot accept any college or exam credit unless provided with official documentation of work completed. Therefore, it is always necessary for you to submit official transcripts (seal and signature) of all college work completed, and official notification from testing bodies of any test scores. Only courses with a grade of “C” or higher are transferable.
...
If, for some reason it becomes necessary for you to withdraw from school during a semester or take a leave of absence, you must submit a "Withdrawal/Leave of Absence Form." Leave of Absences are completed online in the Falk College Office of Student Services, 300 McNaughton Hall, or the university’s Office of Student Affairs, 306 Steele Hall. Conditions governing such a leave are outlined on the official form.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid decisions are made when you enter the University as a first-year or transfer student and are re-evaluated with you regularly during your study. About 70% of entering first-year and transfer students receive financial aid. Each student receiving financial aid has a designated financial aid counselor from the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid whose responsibility it is to work with the student concerning financial aid. You should discuss any questions with your financial aid counselor or a representative of the Financial Aid Office.
...
Other graduation honors include University Marshall, Class Marshall, and University Scholar. Selection is based on academic standing, campus involvement, and community service, and each has a specific nomination/selection process.
Graduate School Inquiries
...
Through the generosity of the Barbara Richman Mirken Seminar Endowed Fund, a group of students can travel annually to New York City at no expense to themselves. This three-day study trip focuses on the history and practice of social work in New York City. See Appendix K for a description of this opportunity.
...
Each year, students have an opportunity to explore a policy issue in greater depth through an event that brings together legislators, subject matter experts, advocates, community members, faculty, and students. See Appendix L for a description of the James L. Stone Legislative Policy Day.
...
Our commitment to social justice is visibly celebrated each March, in commemoration of National Professional Social Work Month. The Dan and Mary Lou Rubenstein Social Justice Award is given to honor the memories of Professor Dan Rubenstein, a former faculty member in the School of Social Work, and his wife Mary Lou, a former school social worker. Students are welcome to attend this event, which is free and open to the public. See Appendix N for more information.
Renée Crown University Honors Program
...
The Student SUccess Initiative (SSUI) offers a unique opportunity for selected undergraduate students to immerse themselves in an intensive academic climate during the summer sessions that lead to better grades, increased self-satisfaction, and renewed academic focus. Enrollment in SSUI is limited, and eligibility is determined by SSUI and the Falk College Student Services Office in the Spring semester. For more information, contact your advisor, the Director of the Undergraduate Program, Falk Student Services, or the SSUI office at 111 Waverly Avenue.
Minors
Undergraduate social work students can choose to combine their major with minor areas of study. Popular minors among social work students include Psychology, Child and Family Studies, Health and Wellness, Public Health, African American Studies, Gerontology, and Policy Studies. A complete listing of minors can be found on the University website:
...
NOTE: Since the pass/fail policy has been adopted for SWK 435/445, the Dean's List eligibility requirements for seniors only has been amended such that a senior registering for Field Instruction is considered eligible for Dean's List if he/she carries at least 10 credits (graded A-F) plus Field Instruction and earns a 3.4 GPA and a "P" in Field for the semester.
Phi Alpha Honor Society
The Phi Alpha Honor Society is a national social work honors organization, fully accredited by the Association of College Honors Societies (ACHS). Please see Appendix B to learn more about the Zeta Gamma chapter of Phi Alpha here at Syracuse University.
...
University 100 (U100) is a group of Syracuse University student ambassadors who represent our diverse community and share their love of Orange through campus tours and networking events. University 100 is named to recognize its role and honorary stature within the University. And as the name suggests, there are approximately 100 students in the organization annually who reflect the diversity of the University. U100 members represent each college and many geographic and ethnic backgrounds. Applications are available online in the Spring semester or from the Office of Admissions, Crouse Hinds Hall.
Remembrance Scholarship
The Remembrance Scholarship annually recognizes 35 outstanding seniors in memory of the 35 Syracuse University students who died in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 in 1988 over Lockerbie, Scotland. Candidates for the Scholarship must apply during the Spring of their junior year and demonstrate academic excellence, campus involvement, and commitment to the larger community. Personal essays regarding the terrorist attack are required for consideration along with an application that is available from the Office of Admissions, Crouse Hinds Hall.
...
The Phi Alpha Honor Society is a national social work honors organization, fully accredited by the Association of College Honors Societies (ACHS). Please see Appendix B to learn more about the Zeta Gamma chapter of Phi Alpha here at Syracuse University.
Social Workers United
Social Workers United (SWU) is the social work student organization developed by and for our undergraduate and graduate students to encourage broader acquaintances among social work students, to discuss academic and career interests, and as a channel for student participation within the School.
In previous years, the student organization has conducted fund-raising activities to support special service projects needed in the community. The organization has also sponsored distinguished guest speakers and career seminars. The extent to which SWU can accomplish its goals depends upon the level of interest and participation of the students themselves. Currently, all members are graduate students, and we are looking forward to reinvigorating the undergraduate component of the organization. Faculty sponsors include: Ken Marfilius, Teaching Professor, Jennifer Genovese, MSW Program Director, and Kristin Esposito, Field Placement Coordinator.
Falk College Peer Advising Program
...
Volunteering
Groups and Activities
Join a fraternity or sorority, connect with your culture, get out into nature, write for a student-run publication, or fight to protect human or animal rights. With over 300 student organizations, you'll find something that will pique an interest (or 20!). Not sure where to start? The Office of Student Activities is your gateway to social activities, programs, and events that not only fill up your calendar, but also enhance your education.
Shaw Center for Public and Community Service
...
The Office of Engagement Programs assists student organizations, fraternities and sororities, and other student groups with connecting with local nonprofit agencies for one-time volunteer service projects. For more information or to organize a volunteer project for your group, contact engagesu@syr.edu.
Campus Resources
Numerous campus resources are outlined in the Syracuse University 2019-2020 Student Handbook. The following is only a brief list of available services and resources. Refer to the Student Handbook for information on additional services.
...
The David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics offers career services specifically targeted to students in social work and the other majors within the college. The Placement Coordinators within the School of Social Work can also assist you with résumés and career information. To schedule an appointment, see Falk Career Services Contact Us
Commuter and Off-Campus Resources
...
The Center for Learning and Student Success (CLASS) provides academic support services, including one-on-one tutoring, small-group tutoring and workshops, as well as academic integrity education and training. The Center is located in Room 014 Bird Library (basement level). For more information or to book a tutoring appointment, call 443-2005.
Office of Student Employment Services (HRSES)
...
The Counseling Center supports and enhances student health and wellness by providing comprehensive and holistic mental health, substance abuse, and sexual assault and relationship violence-related services. Previously located at 200 Walnut Avenue, the Counseling Center is moving to the Barnes Center at the Arch in fall 2019. Call 315-443-4715 to schedule an appointment. There are no fees for full-time students.
Office of Disability Services
The mission of The Office of Disability Services (ODS) is to engage the University Community to empower students, enhance equity, and provide a platform for innovation and inclusion. Located at 804 University Avenue, Suite 303, this office provides assistance with physical, psychological and learning disabilities. Contact 315-443-4498 (Voice), 315-443-1371(TDD), or 315-443-1312 (Fax).
Appendices
Anchor AppendixA AppendixA
Appendix A: Essential Abilities for Social Work
| AppendixA | |
| AppendixA |
Beyond academic standards, there are cognitive, emotional and character requirements necessary to complete your course of study and participate fully in all aspects of social work practice. You will be guided in the process of acquiring and strengthening these abilities throughout the BSSW program, and you will continue this journey as a lifelong learner following your BSSW degree.
...
The School of Social Work policy, with respect to professional conduct and competence, is viewed as part of the ethical responsibility of the faculty to protect potential clients of its graduates from harm. In the field placement, the importance of the student-client relationship supersedes that of classroom performance. Unethical, threatening or otherwise unprofessional conduct will be closely examined. The school retains the right to take academic disciplinary action in accordance with the procedures described in this statement when the student's behavior indicates an inability to effectively communicate, and to develop the type of interpersonal relationships that are required in social work practice, as described in the BSSW Field Instruction Manual.
Academic Hearing Board
The School of Social Work policy for academic progress and professional behavior addresses the professional behavior and ethical conduct of both graduate and undergraduate students. The Academic Hearing Board of the School of Social Work is responsible for hearings arising from the implementation of School of Social Work policy in this area.
...